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Nursery at Ash Croft Primary Academy
Last reviewed: October 2026 · Inspection data and key information above update regularly, however, this review below is refreshed bi-annually and may not reflect recent changes. Contact the nursery directly to confirm current arrangements. If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Choosing equipment, playing together and learning to speak in sentences: these are the clearest features of Ash Croft’s early years provision. The nursery belongs to Ash Croft Primary Academy in Sinfin, Derby, within The Harmony Trust. It combines morning and afternoon sessions with a full-day option, giving families three distinct ways to organise attendance.
Ofsted graded the school’s early years provision Good following its inspection on 21 and 22 September 2022. That judgement covers early years within the school; it is not a separate nursery rating. Funded provision includes eligible two-year-olds through Derby’s Flying Start programme, alongside entitlement for three- and four-year-olds.
In September 2022, children were already becoming familiar with nursery routines early in the school year. They chose resources for themselves and handled them with confidence. That gives a concrete picture of independence: children taking decisions about their play rather than relying on an adult to select everything for them.
Social learning mattered too. Children enjoyed playing alongside one another and showed developed skills in getting along. Activities had a clear purpose, with adults supporting children’s participation. Language received deliberate attention: adults demonstrated how to express ideas and prompted children to use complete sentences. For parents, the useful combination is choice, interaction and support with communication.
Curriculum continuity. In September 2022, a small number of school subject plans needed clearer learning content, including how later teaching connected with early years knowledge. Assessment in those subjects also needed attention. This was a school curriculum concern, rather than a separate nursery judgement. Leaders also needed to evaluate whether their changes were producing the intended effects.
A snack forms part of each session. Families may be asked for a voluntary contribution towards snacks where applicable. Hot meals are offered where available, with advance booking and payment through ParentPay; families choosing this option need to organise it ahead of time.
For children with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND), Ash Croft uses a graduated approach: identifying needs early and providing continuing support as needs develop. A dedicated contact, send@ashcroft.theharmonytrust.org, gives parents a direct route for discussing additional needs.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place at Ash Croft. Families must make a separate Reception application through Derby City Council’s primary school admissions service and meet the normal application deadline. The nursery application goes to the academy office, so these are two separate processes to plan for.
Treat choosing the nursery and choosing a Reception school as distinct decisions. Securing nursery attendance should not be taken as securing the next place.
Morning nursery runs from 08:45 to 11:45; the afternoon session is 12:15 to 15:15. The full-day option starts at 08:45 and finishes at 14:45. Its earlier finish matters when arranging collection.
Funding is term-time only. Three- and four-year-olds have a universal entitlement of 15 hours each week from the term following their third birthday; eligible working families may receive up to 30 hours. The extended entitlement requires an online GOV.UK application and a valid code that parents regularly reconfirm. A place cannot be held while eligibility remains unconfirmed.
Flying Start offers some eligible two-year-olds 15 hours weekly from the term following their second birthday. Parents apply through Derby City Council and supply the academy with the issued funding code. Hours beyond the 15-hour entitlement attract charges; contact the school for current charges. Paid sessions missed because of illness or leave are not refunded.
Nursery applications and enquiries go directly to the academy office at info@ashcroft.theharmonytrust.org or 01332 764160.
Morning sessions are 08:45 to 11:45, afternoons are 12:15 to 15:15, and the full day is 08:45 to 14:45.
Some two-year-olds qualify for 15 hours weekly through Flying Start from the term after their second birthday. Apply through Derby City Council and provide the academy with a valid issued code.
Children receive a daily snack, with a voluntary contribution where applicable. Hot meals, where offered, carry a separate charge and require advance booking and payment through ParentPay.
No. A separate Reception application must be made through Derby City Council’s primary school admissions service.
Contact send@ashcroft.theharmonytrust.org. Ash Croft uses a graduated approach to identify needs early and provide continuing support.
